From Nursing to Winning Federal Contracts
Kym Ali’s journey into government contracting is nothing short of inspiring. As a former nurse with international experience, she found herself seeking a new path after facing challenges in the corporate world. Determined to create her own success, she initially bootstrapped her consulting business (an SBA-certified service-disabled veteran-owned small business specializing in organizational development, employee wellness, and leadership coaching) while continuing her nursing career. Her breakthrough moment came when she stumbled upon a government contracting boot camp, which gave her the foundational knowledge to navigate the GovCon space. Within just two months, she submitted her first proposal and secured a $23,000 contract with the city of Minneapolis. Recognizing the immense potential in federal contracting, she sought guidance from the Maryland APEX Accelerator (formerly PTAC) to build a sustainable and scalable business.​
With the support of the APEX Accelerator, Kym overcame the complexities of federal contracting, securing major partnerships with agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Department of Energy. A significant milestone in her journey was landing a $2 million contract with the VA, where her firm delivered wellness solutions that significantly improved employee morale. “People already think that small businesses can’t do the work, especially if you are a disadvantaged or minority-owned business,” Kym shared. “So we focused on delivering exceptional results, and that’s what set us apart.” Her strategic approach, combined with the guidance of her APEX Accelerator counselor, Tara Scott, allowed her to navigate the contracting process efficiently, ensuring her business thrived in a competitive landscape.​
Kym’s advice to aspiring government contractors is clear: build relationships and seek expert guidance. “Don’t go it alone. You have this free resource here, and they can help you collapse your time,” she emphasized. The APEX Accelerator assisted her in key areas, from understanding NAICS codes to perfecting her capability statement and registering in SAM. Her persistence and preparation also paid off when she secured a spot on the GSA Schedule, opening the door to even more contracting opportunities. Looking ahead, Kym is focused on expanding her impact, continuing to provide high-quality services, and leveraging her growing network to achieve even greater success in government contracting.
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